Moving from Raleigh to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$251/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10196
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,400
per month
State tax
4.5%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Mesa to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,020 |
| $50K | $47,525 |
| $60K | $57,030 |
| $75K | $71,287 |
| $80K | $76,040 |
| $100K | $95,050 |
| $120K | $114,059 |
| $150K | $142,574 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Mesa
| Expense | Raleigh | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $365 | $369 |
| Transport | $70 | $55 |
| Utilities | $150 | $210 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Mesa could save roughly $251/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,012/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $71,287/year in Mesa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Mesa to RaleighRaleigh vs Mesa — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingMesa cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only